Published at 10th of July 2026 6:51 am

Chapter 1835: The Innkeeper

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"Why are you doing this?"

Adam couldn’t help but ask as he saw the retreating figures of the Paladins from the Watch.

"You didn’t lie," Hannibal said casually as he finished cleaning the last of the glasses.

"A young man who fought devils, saved a world, and arrived all the way from the edge of the universe to pursue magic is someone worth helping."

Adam didn’t ask the man how he confirmed his story to be the truth. Because he wasn’t lying to begin with. He just didn’t choose to reveal a few things.

"And that is concerning," said the innkeeper, gesturing at Adam’s right hand.

Adam’s expression twisted in worry and panic. He covered his right hand with his left, then said in a hushed voice, "It started acting up when I set foot in the city. There’s a devil here!"

Hannibal showed an amused expression.

"That is impossible. The city carefully monitors the summoning of planar beings," he said with certainty. "You must have attracted a fiendling. They are uncommon in the city, but not rare."

"Fiendling..." Adam murmured.

He scoured through the library of memories and quickly learned about this race.

Fiendlings were a humanoid race said to have descended from devils. They were the byproducts of devils who had bred with humans. They were known for their cunning and charm.

"So the Brand attracts not only devils, but also those connected to them," the raven-haired youth concluded.

"Not just fiendlings," the innkeeper replied. "Any race or individual with deep ties to devils may be drawn to it. Take a human who has struck a bargain with one, for example. The devil might whisper in his ear, point him in your direction, and convince him to kill you."

Adam covered his mouth in trepidation. The Brand of Evil had been little more than a nuisance on Tron. But here, on Myrrandor, it was a source of constant threat to his life.

He couldn’t hate Govax enough for what the bastard had done to him.

"Though it is interesting that you were able to mask it both physically and spiritually," Hannibal said cryptically. "Such measures, however, can only protect you from those at your rank."

Adam’s breathing turned heavy. Panic flickered in his eyes.

Hannibal looked deeply at the youth, then said casually: "I might be able to help you out."

Adam instantly grew wary.

He looked at the innkeeper. The man clearly had some influence. Not only did he own such a big establishment, but he also had good relations with the Watch. Good enough to make the City Watch back off without so much as an argument.

But that only made Adam more cautious.

After all, free things cost the most.

The question remained...

"What do you want in return?"

"Let’s just say I take an interest in the city’s welfare," Hannibal replied. "And a walking invitation to Hell is very much a matter of civic concern. I’d rather not have you drawing devils into this beautiful city I call home."

He paused for a moment, his lips slowly curling up.

"As for what I want in return... how about you work here as repayment?"

Adam slipped into silence. He wasn’t stupid. He knew exactly what Hannibal was trying to do.

The innkeeper wanted to keep an eye on him.

Under normal circumstances, Adam might have even agreed. The offer came with food, shelter, and the protection of a well-connected individual.

But Adam hadn’t crossed a sea of stars and arrived in an entirely new world just to spend his days serving drinks at a tavern.

He hesitated. And it showed.

Hannibal’s words echoed in his ears once again. "You young’uns sure are ambitious."

Adam snapped out of his thoughts and quickly said, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—"

The innkeeper waved his hand dismissively, interrupting the youth.

"How about this?" he proposed.

"Work here until you’ve secured the permits and licenses required for a new citizen. That alone can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once you’ve gotten all the necessary paperwork, you’re free to move out."

He then shrugged.

"Of course, you’ll still need to earn a living. In a city like Davos, money is what helps you prosper."

"A few months of work?" Adam was dumbfounded. "That’s it?"

"As long as you’re a Davosian, you’d still need to check in with me from time to time," Hannibal replied. "But other than that... yes, that’s pretty much it."

Adam was truly speechless.

Hannibal was going to help him deal with the devil’s mark in exchange for only a few months of work. He had done far more for far less on the Stryker Pirates’ ship.

Either this was a scam, or Hannibal was being genuinely helpful.

Sensing the hesitation in the youth, the innkeeper sighed.

"A healthy amount of distrust will keep you alive, lad. Too much of it, however, will leave you facing the world alone."

Adam snapped out of his senses and quickly apologised.

"No, you’re right, I’m sorry. I just... I mean, yes. Yes! I accept your offer!"

It wasn’t as though he had another choice, anyway.

He rose to his feet, placed a hand on his chest, and offered a humble bow. "Thank you."

Adam then turned to the man and asked, "So when do I begin?"

"Now," said the innkeeper as he walked around the bar counter. "Ira will fill you in."

"Ira?"

"Hello, magpie."

A feminine voice with a tinge of playfulness echoed beside Adam’s ears.

It sounded close.

Far too close.

Before he could react, a figure pressed against his back. An arm slipped around his shoulders, and a chin came to rest on his other shoulder.

Adam froze.

When did she—

"I’m Ira," said the woman with a faint smile, her gaze following Hannibal as he walked to the center of the common room.

Adam didn’t even dare to breathe loudly.

Ira stepped aside and casually rested her elbow on Adam’s shoulder, as though they had known each other for years.

Adam finally got a chance to look at her.

She was a mature woman with sharp features. She had a head full of chestnut hair, while her brown eyes held a strange allure that was difficult to ignore. She wore a flowing dark gown that further added to her charm.

He gulped and asked softly, "And you are?"

Ira turned to him and met his gaze. A bubbly smile spread across her face as she introduced herself.

"Why, I’m the proprietress of this establishment, of course."

"I thought Hannibal was the owner..."

"He is," Ira said, glancing back at the brawny man.

"He’s also my husband."

The common room erupted into excited chatter as Hannibal made his way toward the center of the tavern.

"What’s happening?" Adam couldn’t help but ask as he turned to watch the man walking through the crowd.

"The adventurers are about to enter the Hole," said the woman.

"The Hole?" Adam frowned.

Ira let out a quiet chuckle.

"Silly magpie, how else do you think the tavern got its name?"

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